This may seem like a strange question to ask. Isn’t your reading audience everywhere? Well, no they’re not. The more you can narrow down your target market the better. The reason is that when you’re creating content for your audience you want to have a specific person in mind so that you know who you’re creating it for. Once you know who they are, you really need to know where they hang out too. Knowing where they hang out will help you know where to spend your time.
- Social Media Platforms – There are many different social platforms that you can become involved with. However, you don’t need to be everywhere and you shouldn’t be everywhere. You should be where your audience hangs out. Which social platforms do they use? For example, food bloggers belong on Instagram for sure as does anyone involved with the fashion industry.
- Books/Publications – What books, magazines, and publications do your target market like to read? If you know this information you can place ads in those publications or even write articles for them. Getting your name known via one of these publications will do wonders for your authority factor.
- Groups & Forums – Today, online is all about groups and forums, especially right now Facebook Groups. If you know where your audience is hanging out on Facebook you should be there. Don’t spam groups but join groups that your target market joins and become an open resource. They will contact you.
- Podcasters They Like – Who do they love to listen to? Can you become a guest on that show? If you can become a guest you’ll end up on their radar. This will work especially well if you can also offer a gift via a special landing page for that audience.
- YouTubers They Like – Today, you can advertise on YouTube including specific YouTube accounts. This is a great way to tap into an existing audience that is like your target market in a fast way. Make sure you have something to offer that they’ll respond to.
- Gurus They Follow – When you can find out who your audience respects and follows try to find a way to get that guru to mention you even if you must pay them to influence their audience. This is another shortcut to getting in touch with your target market.
- Events They Enjoy – There are many offline and online events that your target market probably attends and enjoys. Find out what these events are and make sure that you go to them. The biggest mistake for events is going to events that only colleagues attend. Go to events that your audience attends, make sure you have something to offer them so they get on your email list.
No matter where your audience hangs out, it’s imperative to figure it out. It might take some trial and error if you’re not a member of your own target audience. You may need to research further to find out where they hang out. One great tool to use to find your specific keywords being mentioned is to set up a Google Alert regarding the topic. You’ll then get information sent to your inbox that can help you find ongoing discussions by your target market that you can join.